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Greece and Italy have formally activated the transfer of two Italian Navy Bergamini-class FREMM frigates, completing the legal, financial and technical framework for one of Athens' fastest major surface-combatant acquisitions in years. The Implementing Arrangement signed in Rome on September 8 covers Carlo Bergamini (F-590), scheduled for transfer in the first half of 2028, and Virginio Fasan (F-591), due in the first half of 2029. It also establishes initial and follow-on support, Greek industrial participation and work to integrate new systems aboard the ships. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that discussions are already underway with Fincantieri on modifications and said Athens is also examining the acquisition of two additional FREMMs, potentially turning the transaction into a four-ship class.
FREMM Acquisition Snapshot
Greece has locked in its first two Italian FREMMs while keeping the door open to a four-ship Bergamini-class fleet.
Legal, financial and technical terms for the first pair are now finalised.
The lead Italian FREMM is scheduled to become Greece's first ship of the type.
The second ship adds the class's dedicated anti-submarine warfare configuration.
Greek reporting places the two existing ships at no more than roughly €460 million before the wider package.
Greece and Italy are already discussing the possibility of another two ships.
Greece's Frigate Transition Board
Athens is combining new construction, second-hand acquisition and mid-life modernization rather than relying on a single frigate program.
| Ship / Program | Status | Core Capability | Weapons & Sensors | Upgrade / Integration Work | Industrial Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlo Bergamini | FREMM GP Transfer H1 2028 Entered Italian service in 2013. | General-purpose 144-metre frigate with twin helicopter facilities, CODLAG propulsion and strong air/surface warfare capability. | 16 Sylver A50 cells for Aster missiles, 127/64 gun, 76/62 gun, anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes. | New communications and CENTAUR C-UAS are expected. CAPTAS-4 VDS installation is being considered. Anti-ship missile configuration is expected to change. | Maintenance, combat-system integration, sonar work, communications, missile integration and long-term support. |
| Virginio Fasan | FREMM ASW Transfer H1 2029 Italy's first FREMM in dedicated ASW configuration. | Optimized for anti-submarine warfare while retaining significant air and surface combat capability. | CAPTAS-4 variable-depth/towed sonar, MU90 torpedoes, 16 Aster-capable VLS cells and twin 76/62 guns. | Communications and C-UAS integration expected, together with Greek-compatible anti-ship weapons and support systems. | Sonar sustainment, torpedo support, electronics, helicopter integration and lifecycle maintenance. |
| Additional Bergaminis | UNDER DISCUSSION Up to 2 More | Could establish a four-vessel Hellenic FREMM force and spread type-specific training and logistics across more hulls. | Final vessels and configurations have not been announced. | A second pair would likely benefit from the integration work completed on the first two ships. | Larger installed base would expand recurring demand for spares, training, upgrades and depot-level maintenance. |
| FDI HN | 4-SHIP PROGRAM New Construction | New-generation Greek frigate fleet with advanced air defense, digital combat systems and anti-submarine capability. | Aster-family air defense, Sea Fire radar, CAPTAS-4 sonar and progressively expanded Standard 2++ capabilities. | The fourth FDI contract also extends additional capabilities and support across the wider class. | French-Greek industrial cooperation, missiles, radar, sonar, maintenance and software-intensive upgrades. |
| Hydra-Class MEKO 200HN | MODERNIZATION 4 Ships | Existing frigates retained as part of the future high-end surface fleet rather than replaced immediately. | Current ships carry Harpoon, ESSM, 127 mm guns, Phalanx and torpedoes. | Greek government approved modernization, including advanced anti-submarine systems. | Combat systems, radar, sonar, weapons, machinery maintenance and Greek-yard work create a major retrofit market. |
| Italian FREMM EVO | ITALIAN REPLACEMENT 2029 + 2030 | New-generation FREMMs allow Italy to move older but capable hulls into the export market. | Fixed-face dual-band radar, cyber-resilient CMS, enhanced EW, anti-drone capability and unmanned-system integration. | Two ships are already under construction for the Italian Navy. | Creates an unusual European fleet-renewal model where used frontline ships move directly to an allied navy. |
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